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Firmware is a type of software that is embedded into hardware devices and provides low-level control for the device's specific hardware. It is typically stored in non-volatile memory chips, such as ROM, EPROM, or flash memory, meaning it retains its data even when the power is turned off. This is in contrast to the main operating system of a computer, which is usually stored on a hard drive or SSD and loaded into RAM when the device is powered on.

Firmware acts as the intermediary between the hardware and the higher-level software, such as an operating system or application. It contains the essential instructions that allow the hardware to function correctly and communicate with other components. For example, the firmware on a graphics card tells the computer how to display images on the screen, and the firmware on a router manages network traffic.

Updating firmware, often referred to as "flashing," can introduce new features, fix bugs, improve performance, or patch security vulnerabilities in a device. However, firmware updates must be performed carefully, as an interrupted or incorrect update can render the device unusable, a condition known as "bricking." Firmware is crucial for the operation of a vast array of electronic devices, from simple appliances to complex computing systems.